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Missouri • Chronic Illness
If you have fibromyalgia in Missouri, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid waivers, and ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available in 2025.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with fibromyalgia, your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a five-step process to decide if you are disabled. You must show that your fibromyalgia symptoms, such as chronic pain, fatigue, and cognitive issues, make it impossible to do your past work or any other job. You also need to meet work and income requirements. For SSDI, you must have earned enough Social Security credits. For SSI, your income and resources must be below certain limits. In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. If you earn more than this, you may not qualify for benefits.
In Missouri, people with fibromyalgia may also qualify for state programs like Medicaid waivers and MO ABLE accounts. Missouri Medicaid waivers help pay for home and community-based services for people with disabilities. To qualify, you must meet both federal disability rules and Missouri's income and asset limits. Missouri's MO ABLE program lets people with disabilities save money without losing benefits. The program is open to those who became disabled before age 26. Missouri also has specific income limits for benefit programs. For example, MO HealthNet for the Aged and Disabled has a maximum annual income of $13,303 for a single person in 2025. These limits may change each year, so check with the Missouri Department of Social Services for the latest rules.
Step 1: Get a diagnosis from a doctor. Your medical records should show your fibromyalgia symptoms and how they limit your ability to work.
Step 2: Check your eligibility. For SSDI, you need enough work credits. For SSI, your income and resources must be below the limits. Missouri has specific income limits for state programs.
Step 3: Fill out the application. You can apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office.
Step 4: Submit your application. Include all required documents, such as medical records, proof of income, and proof of disability.
Step 5: Wait for a decision. The SSA will review your application and may ask for more information.
Step 6: If denied, you can appeal. You have 60 days to file an appeal. You can get help from a disability advocate or lawyer.
Step 7: If approved, you will start receiving benefits. You must report any changes in your income or health to avoid overpayments.
SSA: How to Apply for Disability (2025-11-06)
MO DSS: How to Apply for Benefits (2025-11-06)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Pays benefits to people who worked and paid Social Security taxes. In 2025, the maximum monthly payment is $4,555.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Pays benefits to people with low income and resources. In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943 per month for an individual.
Medicare: People who get SSDI for 24 months are eligible for Medicare.
Medicaid: People who get SSI may also qualify for Medicaid.
SSA: Disability Benefits (2025-11-06)
MO HealthNet: Missouri's Medicaid program. People with disabilities may qualify for MO HealthNet if they meet income and asset limits. MO HealthNet can help pay for medical care, home health services, and more.
Medicaid Waivers: Missouri offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities. These waivers pay for home and community-based services, such as personal care, respite care, and supported employment.
MO ABLE Program: Lets people with disabilities save money without losing benefits. The program is open to those who became disabled before age 26.
Vocational Rehabilitation: Helps people with disabilities prepare for, get, and keep jobs.
MO DSS: MO HealthNet (2025-11-06)
MO DSS: Medicaid Waivers (2025-11-06)
MO ABLE Program (2025-11-06)
MO Vocational Rehabilitation (2025-11-06)
The MO ABLE program lets people with disabilities save money without losing federal benefits. You can save up to $18,000 per year in an ABLE account. The account can be used for qualified disability expenses, such as housing, education, and transportation. To qualify, you must have become disabled before age 26. Missouri residents can open an ABLE account online at the MO ABLE website.
| Program | 1 Person (Annual) | 2 People (Annual) | |---------|-------------------|-------------------| | MO HealthNet for Aged/Disabled | $13,303 | $17,978 | | MO HealthNet for Blind | $15,650 | $21,150 | | SSI (Federal) | $11,316 | $16,974 |
You must report any changes in your income, resources, or health to the Social Security Administration and Missouri agencies. If you do not report changes, you may get an overpayment and have to pay it back. Report changes as soon as possible to avoid problems. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person.
Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or your local Missouri Job Center for help with your application.
Check the SSA and Missouri DSS websites for the latest updates on disability benefits and income limits.
Yes, fibromyalgia can qualify for SSDI or SSI if it severely limits your ability to work. You must show that your symptoms make it impossible to do your past work or any other job. Medical records and a doctor's statement are important for your application.
The SGA limit in 2025 is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. If you earn more than this, you may not qualify for disability benefits.
You can apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office. You will need medical records and proof of income and disability.
The MO ABLE program lets people with disabilities save money without losing federal benefits. You can save up to $18,000 per year in an ABLE account. The account can be used for qualified disability expenses.
Missouri Medicaid waivers pay for home and community-based services for people with disabilities. These services can include personal care, respite care, and supported employment. To qualify, you must meet federal and state rules.
The maximum monthly SSDI payment in Missouri is $4,555. The federal SSI payment is $943 per month for an individual. Missouri may have additional state supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
Yes, you must report any changes in your income, resources, or health to the Social Security Administration and Missouri agencies. If you do not report changes, you may get an overpayment and have to pay it back.
Yes, you can work while getting disability benefits, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit. If you earn more than $1,620 per month, you may lose your benefits. There are work incentives to help you try returning to work.
SSI is for people with low income and resources. SSDI is for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs can help people with fibromyalgia if they meet the rules.
You can get help from Social Security, Missouri agencies, or disability advocates. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or your local Missouri Job Center for help.
